Misbah-ul-Haq: “Usman Qadir is playing and in T20, there is a spark in his bowling”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Pakistan head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq revealed that leg-spinner Usman Qadir was picked for the Twenty20 series against Australia since he possesses a “spark in his bowling” and has played in the Big Bash League (BBL), which is Australia’s domestic Twenty20 tournament, in the past.

Qadir, son of the late Abdul Qadir, previously stated that he wanted to play for Australia, but could now find himself playing against that exact team in a three-match Twenty20 series next month.

Misbah also noted that Qadir has a lot of useful variations, and added that he could have a chance of being picked for next year’s World Twenty20.

“Usman Qadir is playing and in T20, there is a spark in his bowling,” Misbah was quoted as saying by PakPassion. “He has some experience of playing in Australia in the BBL. All the white ball cricket he’s played, he has some zip in his bowling.

“He has an advantage due to height and he has variations, a good flipper, googly, leg-spin is also good. Considering that we’re facing an issue with our wrist-spin back-up and his experience in Australia, we picked him in the team and we’re also keeping the T20 World Cup in Australia in mind.

“I haven’t heard anything (about Usman Qadir applying for Australian nationality). He is playing cricket in Pakistan and is here. If he is playing here and if we feel he can be a future prospect, we will back him.”

Pakistan’s Twenty20 series against Australia will take place from November 3 to 8.